REGIONAL REFEREE CERTIFICATION Q&A
You have to have been a Grassroots Referee for a minimum of three (3) years before you can pursue upgrade to Regional.
Individuals who are pursuing a National Referee path, are traveling to officiate out of the state, and/or would like to become a Ref Coach in the future are all strong candidates to become a regional referee.
US Soccer also lists character traits of a Regional Referee in the “Regional Referee Profile” document found in the Resource tab of the US Soccer Learn Center website: https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/resources
Review the US Soccer “2024 Eligibility & Requirements” document found in the Resource tab of the US Soccer Learn Center website: https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee
You have to have completed 25 games as a referee and 15 games as an assistant referee in adult amateur USSF-affiliated matches. For a list of USSF-affiliated adult leagues in Minnesota, please check out the Minnesota Soccer Association website.
Candidates must meet the time of service and game count requirements BEFORE the year they are eligible to upgrade.
Candidates must also pass the US Soccer Regional Referee Fitness test before they can be eligible to attend any upgrade courses, take the National Referee test, or be assessed.Candidates must complete the Regional Referee Training course and an in-person field training session. Minnesota does not hold these yearly, as it depends on how many candidates for Regional Referee the state has. If Minnesota is not holding a course in a given year, qualifying candidates may be referred to neighboring states for the course.
Candidates must pass the National Referee test.
If the candidate meets all other requirements, they will need three (3) referee (not AR!) assessments performed by three (3) different assessors. Two (2) of the games must be adult matches. The third game may be an adult match or a U18/19 youth match (limited to MLS Next or State Cup/Youth Regional matches), but can be a third adult match as well.
All recertifications will occur through US Soccer’s Learn Center.
Multiple fitness tests are administered by the Minnesota SRC each year. As tests are scheduled, you can find them on the “Events” tab of the Minnesota SRC website.
Most practical assignments will be scheduled on higher level competitions to ensure an individual possesses the skillset of a Regional Referee. Individuals looking to schedule practical assignments should be officiating multiple games on higher-level competitions to ensure there are multiple opportunities for you to be evaluated by a Ref Coach.
Examples of higher-level competitions include (but are not limited to): MRSL Div 1&2, MASL Div 1&2, MLS Next u19, UPSL, NPSL, USL-2, USL-W, MN Super Cup.
RECERTIFYING regional referees will be contacted directly about scheduling practical assignments.
FIRST-TIME regional referees who would like to be contacted about scheduling assessments need to complete this form: https://forms.gle/PJVRKKbn3HdLodFMA
Email your inquiry to admin@minnesotasrc.com
